Delaware Valley baseball season preview

Senior infielder Paul Innocenti, here in action last spring, and his Delaware Valley High teammates are hoping to improve considerably on last year’s 2-18 record. The Terriers play at Franklin on Thursday. ((Photo by George Pacciello/staff photographer))

ALEXANDRIA TWP. — Coming off last year’s 2-18 showing, Delaware Valley High Head Coach Marty White is trying to blend some young talent into a team that can compete in the tough Skyland Conference-Raritan Division.

Back from last year are just a few letter-winners, led by senior outfielder Tom Chiswick and junior pitcher/first baseman Scott Skripko.

“How we do really depends on how our new kids respond to varsity baseball,” said White. “We have just a couple of kids that played much last year, but they are good kids with baseball skills. Our major concern is our ability to hit the ball, because you have to score runs to win baseball games. We’ve focused a lot in pre-season on hitting, working in the cage, getting as many kids at-bats we could in scrimmages.

“I think our pitching will be decent, with Skripko our No. 1 guy. And I think we’ll be OK defensively. We had some kids come back a year older and stronger from last year, and hopefully we’ll make all the plays. We’re still very young, and we need to get off to a good start. This is a very tough baseball conference, and there’s nothing easy for us. Our goal is just to be better. We have some young talent and we’re hoping they help us do that.”

Chiswick was one of the better hitters for the Terriers last year, batting .346 with three doubles but driving in just three runs. White said they’re hoping for bigger and better things from him this spring.

Skripko, who had a good pre-season, is among the better pitchers in the division and is going to get a lot of innings. Last year he pitched well but didn’t get a lot of help defensively. He also hit .319 with four doubles, two triples and 13 runs batted in and will play first base when not on the mound.

“Scotty is probably our best hitter, with some power, and we’re expecting him to have a good season,” said White. “We’re going to need his bat and his arm.”

Other returnees include seniors Tyler Johnston as a utility infielder, infielders Paul and Mike Innocenti and Dennis Martell and outfielder Keith Ferdinando. They’re up from the junior varsity and White said he’s looking for help from all of them.

Lefthander Mike Innocenti missed most of last year after undergoing shoulder surgery and White hopes he can see some mound time as a senior.

“We’re taking it slow with Mike but hope to see him pitching sometime down the road,” White said. “If his shoulder and arm comes around he’d be big addition to the staff.”

Starting catcher Chris Pilone, a junior who’s a solid defensive player, is back and has gotten bigger and stronger. He hit just .222 last year but White expects more from him at the plate as well.

Junior Ryan Hann is playing third base, will see some time as the designated hitter and will also pitch, while returning junior shortstop Reed Williams (.207) may also play some second base this year.

Junior Craig Gares, coming off solid seasons in basketball and football, has shown he has a good bat and will likely be the Terriers’ DH.

“Gares is a big, solid athlete and we’re expecting some run production from him.” said White. “He’s a little raw but does have some power, and we think he’s going to be a plus for us.”

Sophomores Adam Novotny, Chris Fischetti and Joe Chiarino will contribute to the varsity as well. Novotny plays the outfield and pitches, Fischetti is an infielder/pitcher and Chiarino is an outfielder/catcher and could also see some mound time.

DAWG DOINGS — White will be assisted on the varsity level by volunteer coach Mike Haughey, who played his high school ball at North Hunterdon.

“Mike’s been a huge help for me this pre-season and it’s nice to have another person in the dugout to bounce thoughts off, and coach first base,” said White. “I’m glad to have him with us.”

Last year the Terriers lost five games by one run and another three by two runs, when a hit here or there could have changed the outcome.

“We were in a lot of games last year we could’ve won, but mistakes killed us and we hope this year we can turn that around,” said White.

DelVal opened its season today against the Pingry School, will play at Franklin on Thursday and hosts Lenape Valley of Stanhope 11 a.m. Saturday. On Friday, April 13 the Terriers will play Delran at Waterfront Park in West Trenton, home of the Trenton Thunder, in an 11 a.m. start, and at 7 p.m. the next night host South Hunterdon at Case Field at Riegel Ridge.